Warden Information

Livingston, Izabal

American Embassy Guatemala
American Citizen Warden Program

March 19, 2008

Dear American Citizen Warden:

The following is a Warden Message concerning Livingston, Izabal. Please share the following information with the American citizens on your warden list, and any other Americans you know, as soon as possible. It should be disseminated as widely as possible within the American citizen community. Please contact the American Citizen Services section via e-mail (amcitsguatemala@state.gov), fax (2326-4655), or telephone (2326-4405) if you have any questions. Thank you very much for your support and assistance.

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WARDEN MESSAGE

Livingston, Izabal

On Friday March 14, indigenous activists took six hostages, including four Belgian tourists, on the Rio Dulce upstream from Livingston. Although all hostages were released unharmed, the situation remains tense. The Guatemalan tourist assistance office (ASISTUR) has advised boat operators on the river to avoid stopping en route to/from Livingston. The U.S. Embassy is advising its employees to avoid travel to the Livingston area until further notice. American citizens who decide to travel to the area are encouraged to check with ASISTUR at 2421-2800 extensions 1301, 1305 and 1306, or the U.S. Embassy at 2326-4405, for the latest information before traveling.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, including the Worldwide Caution, can be found. Information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala is located at Avenida Reforma 7-01, Zone 10, Guatemala City. Please contact the American Citizen Services section by phone at 011-(502)2326-4405, by fax at (502)2326-4655, or by sending an email to amcitsguatemala@state.gov. The after-hours emergency number is 011-502-2331-2354 or (502)2331-2354